An iconic figure whose larger-than-life persona defined professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s is stepping back into the squared circle—not as a wrestler, but as the commissioner of a bold new venture: Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW). Announced on April 30, 2025, this unscripted wrestling league aims to blend the raw athleticism of Olympic-style freestyle wrestling with the storytelling flair of professional wrestling.

Guess who the hunk is? None other than the 12x World Champion Mr. America himself—Hollywood Hulk Hogan—storming back into the spotlight, not with leg drops but with a vision to revolutionize the wrestling world from the top down.

Joining Hogan are wrestling industry veteran Eric Bischoff, serving as chief media officer, and Israel “Izzy” Martinez, an elite freestyle wrestling coach, as chief operating officer. Together, this trio promises to “slice and dice the world of wrestling,” as Hogan declared in a press release. Their first event is slated for August 30, 2025, in Cleveland, backed by significant financial support from Left Lane Capital and Cassius, with Hogan’s Real American Beer as the title sponsor.

But what sets RAFW apart from the sports entertainment giants like WWE? Hulk Hogan, inspired by watching NCAA Division I wrestling championships with his teenage stepson, envisions a league that prioritizes competitive integrity while weaving in organic storytelling. “I think with this amateur wrestling, the storytelling is going to be so organic that once these guys get in that gladiator arena and they start tugging and pulling for position…” Hogan told Forbes.

The league will feature collegiate and Olympic-level athletes, including 2025 US Open champion Zahid Valencia and Iowa’s Kennedy Blades, a 2025 collegiate national champion and Paris Olympics silver medalist, whom Hogan sees as the face of the women’s division. Bischoff emphasized the unique mental makeup of these athletes, stating, “You’ve got to be wired a little differently to reach the elite level. And that creates incredibly unique individuals. What we’re doing is giving them a stage—not just to compete, but to be seen and heard.”

Can RAFW deliver on its promise to revolutionize wrestling, or will it struggle to carve out a niche in a crowded market? Well, fans are yet undecided about the reception of this big announcement.

Fans Have a mixed reaction over the wrestling league involving Hulk Hogan

As news of Real American Freestyle Wrestling spread across social media, wrestling fans unleashed a torrent of reactions, ranging from fervent excitement to biting skepticism. The announcement, amplified by an nWo-style promo video, stirred nostalgia but also polarized the fanbase. Some see RAFW as a groundbreaking fusion of sport and spectacle, while others view it as a misstep from two controversial figures. One fan on X exclaimed, “I could already hear the chants of RAFW, RAFW, RAFW, all over arenas,” envisioning packed venues buzzing with anticipation. Another declared, “Real American Freestyle Wrestling will be legendary,” hyping the potential for a fresh wrestling paradigm.

However, not all reactions were glowing—why the backlash? Critics didn’t hold back, with one fan calling the reveal “Embarrassing” and another lamenting, “My God what a letdown.” The unveiling of Izzy Martinez as the third man, despite his coaching credentials, failed to meet the lofty expectations set by the nWo-inspired hype, prompting comments like, “No one is scared of you 3.”

Some fans took aim at Hogan’s involvement, with one stating, “This would be a good idea to support, but…….its fuck Hulk Hogan until the end,” reflecting lingering resentment over his past controversies. Another quipped, “Of all the things that deserved a ‘that doesn’t work for me brother’ this deserved it the most,” invoking Hogan’s own catchphrase to mock the venture.

Still, pockets of optimism persist—what’s driving the hope? Fans intrigued by the concept of unscripted, competitive wrestling with a storytelling twist are eager for more details. “Excited to learn more about this,” one supporter posted on X, while another boldly claimed, “Sad to say, but this is actually better than the WM finish between Cody Rhodes and John Cena,” suggesting RAFW could outshine even WWE’s biggest moments. With the first event still months away, the wrestling world is left buzzing with questions about whether Hogan, Bischoff, and Martinez can deliver a product that lives up to the hype—or if RAFW will fade into obscurity.

Will Real American Freestyle Wrestling silence the doubters and carve out a new legacy, or is it destined to be a fleeting footnote in wrestling history?